When to plant Chives in Morrison County, MN
Morrison County's short 155-day growing season means one Chives planting between May 11 and May 25. No fall crop in Zone 4a.
When to Plant Chives in Morrison County, MN
Chives are a hardy perennial herb with a mild onion flavor and attractive purple pom-pom flowers. They are one of the easiest herbs to grow and maintain.
Morrison County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 1,070 feet, Morrison County receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chives to ensure they mature before fall.
Morrison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Chives
Chives needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chives Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Morrison County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chives Planting Timeline — Morrison County, MN
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
155 days in Morrison County
Growing Tips for Morrison County
Start from seed or divisions in spring. Cut back to 2 inches after flowering to encourage fresh growth. Both the leaves and flowers are edible and delicious.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chives in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chives in Morrison County, MN?
Morrison County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morrison County, MN?
Morrison County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Chives in Morrison County, MN?
In Morrison County, MN, plant Chives after the last frost (around May 4) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Morrison County, MN for Chives?
Morrison County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Chives grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chives grow in Morrison County's climate?
Yes — Chives grows well in Morrison County's temperate climate. Morrison County averages a 155-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 4 and first frost around October 6.
Your Morrison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Morrison County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.